Aminopeptidase N is a receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses.

Aminopeptidase N serves as a receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses, with species-specific binding revealed by cryo-EM analysis.

• Why it matters: Understanding how merbecoviruses infect host cells is crucial for assessing zoonotic transmission risks and preventing potential outbreaks.
• What they did: Researchers tested three coronavirus receptors from European hedgehogs using cell-based assays, pseudotype experiments, and protein binding studies, identifying APN as the key receptor.
• The result: The study shows that hedgehog merbecoviruses utilize APN with restricted cross-species use, and the unique receptor interface suggests species barriers, informing future viral emergence risk assessments.